AToN Center

Thoughts

May 16, 2018 // by Aton Center

Our thoughts are powerful. So powerful, that an entire style of therapy has been centered around how we identify and manage our thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidenced based treatment for substance dependence, and AToN’s curriculum is centered on this treatment. Our residents learn how to identify their “automatic thoughts” which in turn influence their emotions.

Our private rehab residents not only learn how to identify these thoughts, but they also learn how to modify them into rational thoughts, which in turn can stabilize emotional distress. These techniques, once learned, must be continually utilized for maximum effect.

If you are interested in learning how to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you with relapse prevention and mood stabilization, AToN’s private rehab in San diego may be a good fit for you. Don’t hesitate to call AToN when you are ready to make the next step.

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
AToN Center, Private Rehab in San Diego 888-535-1516

Building Assertiveness in Early Sobriety

April 1, 2018 // by Aton Center

People in early recovery often need help developing assertiveness skills. Problems related to caustic relationships, codependency and fear of conflict and criticism must be addressed. Depression, self-loathing and toxic shame add to the complexities of becoming assertive. Dr. Randy J. Peterson’s book, The Assertiveness Workbook is highly recommended to help those needing to learn how to assert themselves.

Dr. Peterson accomplishes building assertiveness by reviewing the four primary communication styles: assertive, passive, aggressive and passive-aggressive. He writes, “Being assertive requires: 1) that you have some very specific skills and 2) that you use these skills when it is appropriate to do so.”

At AToN Center our holistic approach to recovery helps the recovering individual build self-esteem through our Cognitive-Based Theoretical approach, our individual and group sessions and our rich educational curriculum. Our residents benefit from learning to identify the benefits of healthy assertiveness.

When the recovering addict becomes self-aware, goal orientated, physically healthy and appropriately assertive they find themselves happier and more content. Practicing healthy assertive techniques in all relationships allows the sober individual to maintain healthy choices and relationships.

Chris McDuffie
CD Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Underestimation

January 4, 2018 // by Aton Center

In working with residents at the AToN center I am often struck by how easy it is for a person to underestimate the strength of their addiction. Many people can spend years in a cycle of dependence on their substances and still the story they can tell themselves is that “I’ve got it, its under control and I can quit whenever I want.”

Underestimating the role of the drugs/alcohol in your life is a sneaky tactic the drugs use to sustain their supremacy. It can be a humbling experience to take stock of the ways that the one has lost control over their lives. There can also be a strong desire to attempt to find some way of moderating use and not having negative consequences.

But for some, once the line has been crossed into addition they will need to take stock and acknowledge the corrupting nature of the substances. Knowing the power of the drugs will help you go gather strength and support from others to fight back. Dedicating energy and effort to emotional healing and lifestyle changes takes work but making these efforts will pay off in the long run.

Chad K. Cox PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
AToN Center Addiction Treatment 888-535-1516

Support that Recovery Residents Give to Each Other

January 1, 2018 // by Aton Center

One of the most common things I notice here at AToN Center is the support that our residents give to each other. When a new resident walks into our doors, they have been in isolation; hiding their use, lying to themselves and others, and frightened about the new chapter to come: Recovery. Very quickly the new resident is welcomed by staff and veteran residents. The new addition to the AToN Family often feels safe, welcome and understood.

Our residents become close to one another as they share and participate in each other’s recovery. It is a unique and cherished experience that our residents have here. Often, they are excited yet nervous to leave the safe and supportive environment at AToN.

Residents who tend to excel after exiting our doors are the residents who build a new support system. They attend support meetings consistently and they attend other levels of treatment such as sober living and intensive outpatient programming. Please do not neglect this vital aspect of your recovery. Get support, and be supportive – it will be a safeguard to your recovery.

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Creativity And Problem Solving At AToN Center

November 23, 2017 // by Aton Center

At AToN Center the residents create beautiful floral arrangements as part of a mindfulness and meditation exercise. The exercise illustrates the unique way each individual approached problem solving.

Residents find the opportunity to tap into their creativity, to embrace nature and its natural flow, and to learn a healthy coping technique for reducing stress and developing balance.

Beautiful floral arrangements created by AToN residents.

AToN Center 888-535-1516

Fall Recovery

October 6, 2017 // by Aton Center

I love seeing the leaves change and the weather cool in the fall season. What I think of most is how building healthy relationships and having warmth in our hearts can be so supportive to recovery from addiction.

At AToN Center we encourage Building Sober Support to sustain all the seasons of life. From family and friends to professional care to new healthy communities and most of all the relationships formed around the experience of suffering from something that robbed one of a life worth living.

We encourage our residents to reach out for help, meet new individuals, attend community support groups, and become familiar with resources available to aid in supporting us beyond our wildest dreams.

Kristin Colton CATC-II,
Chemical Dependency Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Gratitude in Recovery

September 19, 2017 // by Aton Center

In working with residents at the AToN Center I often see how developing an attitude of gratitude can be a very powerful asset in recovery. I think of gratitude from the perspective of being a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. I look at the results of a client’s thought processes and give them options to change and modify their thinking. For example, if a person has thoughts such as “I can’t believe I’m being treated this way, this is totally unfair”, “I’m being taken advantage of”, “It’s my friend’s, parent’s, or partner’s fault that I’m in this condition”, a person will likely be encouraging their sense of entitlement and resentments.

In micro-focusing on what you don’t have you miss out on all of the things that you do have. Thoughts such as “I appreciate those around me, “I’m glad that help is available”, “This isn’t exactly what I wanted but I’ll make the most of it”, and “I’ve been given a great deal,” can help a person focus on what they already have. Changing your thought process can facilitate having more gratitude and appreciation in life.

Dr.Chad Cox PsyD
AToN Center 888-535-1516

The Basics of Early Recovery and Self Care

August 26, 2017 // by Aton Center

In conducting therapy with clients at the AToN Center I often see many highly functioning people with multiple responsibilities who are sustaining their complex lifestyles, often temporally, with drugs and alcohol. I often recommend that people get back to the basics. This can include eating well, developing healthy sleep cycles, positive socialization, and simple relaxation.

In sobriety many people have to re-learn basic life skills that have gone ignored or bypassed for many years. For example, instead of eating readily available fast food or nothing at all, a person can make the time to go to the grocery store and have a salad. Yes, this does not sound as grandiose as “fixing all of life’s problems” but this is a simple step which can improve your health and help you feel better today. Learning to stick with a sleep schedule and stay away from naps can be a challenge.

Again, this is not going to lead to “peak experience” but there may be a day when you actually feel well rested with good energy. Also, rather than planning an elaborate party, with a multitude of socialites and acquaintances, imagine having a close friend over for dinner and even cooking and cleaning together.

Many people early in their recovery are often reflective on missing out on these small moments of self-care as they have dedicated their lives to their addiction. It may sound simple but these moments can help a person feel more grounded and centered.

Chad K. Cox, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Living a Balanced Life

July 23, 2017 // by Aton Center

An addictive personality refers to a particular set of personality traits that make an individual predisposed to addictions. People who are substance dependent are characterized by: A physical or psychological dependency that negatively affects their quality of life.

They are frequently connected with substance abuse; however, people with addictive personalities are also highly at risk of becoming addicted to gambling, food, pornography, exercise, work, and codependency.

At AToN Center we look at the affected person as a whole. Living a balanced life is something we teach individuals. We look at cross addictions and lifestyle changes that may need to accompany getting clean and sober. With creating a balanced life we also work on building awareness of values, goals, priorities and putting together an optimal weekly schedule to reflect the changes made in early recovery in order to practice and form new healthy habits.

It’s truly a joy to work with individuals that embrace this process and learn to enjoy life as apposed to avoiding it with substances or behavioral addictions.

Kristin Colton, CATC II
Certified Addiction Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Goal Setting

July 14, 2017 // by Aton Center

We can choose to begin something new every day, every minute of every day…

Goal setting and getting clear on values and what is really important in our lives is a huge part of what we do in recovery from addiction.

As drug and alcohol addiction brings one down a path of destruction, neglect, and abuse of self and others, recovery is about building up. Beginning with discovering values, dreams, and life’s purpose one can create a foundation to obtain far more than ever imagined.

At AToN Center we explore these aspects and work on setting realistic goals for the coming months and learn how to create a life worth being sober for.

In groups we look at values an a baseline for setting goals that are in line with the things we care most about. We look at goals that are obtainable and have meaning as well as how we can illicit support and accountability.

This is a fun process at any time on this journey of life, love, and growth…

Kristin Colton CATC-II
Chemical Dependency Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

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